Anyone replace accordion ducting with pipes?

[timcarouge]

In order to better distribute the heat, I'm thinking of replacing the accordion ducting with pipes. I'm not sure hot water plumbing pipes will withstand the heated air, which may come out over 200°. Anyone ever tackle this job?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by timcarouge

In order to better distribute the heat, I'm thinking of replacing the accordion ducting with pipes. I'm not sure hot water plumbing pipes will withstand the heated air, which may come out over 200°. Anyone ever tackle this job?

PEX is only good to 200....180 when under pressure.

[bankr63]

Not sure I understand, are you planning on putting the furnace heat through hot water plumbing pipes?

If I read that right, you won't get nearly enough air through this way. Even the high velocity home heat systems (with special blowers) use something like a 2" pipe to deliver the air to registers. Half or 3/4 PEX isn't going to do much.

[RogerR]

Several years ago I replaced the accordion type vent pipe on our dryer at home with metal pipe. Wow, did it make a difference in air flow! Originaly did it due to dryer fire prevention but it has paid off in shorter dry times and quieter operation. I would assume you would get the same result from replacing crappy, cheap accordion venting if you can get to it and make it fit. Use lots of aluminum type duct tape and not old fashioned cloth duct tape.

[Tunce the traveler]

Accordion type tubing creates turbulence so changing it out as your doing will give you a better flow.
The heating company I use changed out my flex return air supply piping for solid because he said it does make a difference in air flow. Supply lines are all solid

[Vicr]

Why don't you use insulated flex duct?

[Radar57]

Originally Posted by Vicr

Why don't you use insulated flex duct?

I believe the insulated flex duct has a smooth inner wall which is important. Running ridged pipe from the furnace through the mangled mess of wires and water lines in the front basement area would be a challenge. At least it would be in the front of my 5er.

[eow]

Prior to replacing the flex pipe from the main rectangular heat duct to our bedroom register, we had no heat flow to the bedroom. After replacement with galvanized rigid with round heating duct and elbows, we had a noticeable amount of heat to the bedroom and ended up replacing the register with one with a damper to control the flow.

As other pointed out, the flexible heat hoses have a significant negative effect on air flow.

[skidoomatt]

I have been considering doing this as well on my new '21 Eagle 357MDOK as the flow from my living room ducts is horrible. Good to know others have seen improvement from doing this.

[spoon059]

What trailer do you have that has accordion ducts? My Jayflight has solid rectangular in floor ducting for heat.